How To Apply Polyurethane To Interior Oak Doors: Easy Process Of Applying Polyurethane To Interior Oak Doors

Easy Process Of Applying Polyurethane To Interior Oak Doors

Polyurethane is a kind of material that will provide a glossy, clear finish to interior oak doors that protect against scratches as well as moisture. It is very easy to clean its shiny finish and also helps to enhance oak’s natural warmth as well as beauty. When it comes to applying polyurethane to an interior oak door, you will need attention to detail and the right tools, however, there is no need to pay a professional to get a perfect finish. You can easily apply polyurethane to an interior oak door yourself, you only need a little time and patience, & you will get professional-looking results.

Clean The Door & Remove It From Doorway

First of all, clean the door with soapy water in order to get rid of dust, dirt, and grime, and rinse with clean water. Allow the wood to dry before you start the sanding process. Pull out the door from the doorway if it is already installed. Take out the bottom hinge first in order to avoid causing stress to the hinge, which may damage the door.

Remove All The Hardware From The Door

Now, take all the hardware out, including knobs and hinges, before placing the door on a flat work surface. You can apply polyurethane to interior doors still installed, however, make sure to protect floors, walls, and furniture with plastic sheeting. Keep the windows in your workspace open, and utilize fans as well as exhaust vents where possible. Wear a painter’s mask as well as safety goggles in order to protect your eyes and lungs.

Sand The Door On Both The Sides

Next, sand both sides of the door using a 100-grit sandpaper in order to get rid of deep gouges and scratches. Make sure to Work in the grain's direction. Wipe away sanding dust with the help of a tack cloth. Sand a second time, but this time use 120- or 150-grit sandpaper which will help get rid of fine scratches that might remain. Sand the door a final time using a 220-grit sandpaper in order to smooth the wood grain and even out any rough spots that might remain.

Remove The Sanding Dust & Clean The Surface Before Finishing With Polyurethane

Remove the sanding dust with the help of a tack cloth before cleaning the surface using a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol. If you are planning to stain your oak door, you can do this after sanding. Wipe the stain onto the door with the help of a soft cloth. Allow it to soak into the wood before wiping away the excess. Leave the stain to dry overnight & then finish with a polyurethane.

Thin The First Coat Of Polyurethane

Next, mix 3 parts polyurethane with 2 parts mineral spirits & thin the first coat of polyurethane. This will make sure that the polyurethane will better penetrate the wood as well as helps reduce brush marks. Brush the thinned polyurethane onto one side of the door with the help of a natural-bristled brush. Synthetic brushes are usually designed for water-based products and if used in oil-based coatings, they will leave brush marks.

Apply A Second Coat Of Polyurethane & Repeat The Process On The Other Side

Finally, allow the first coat to dry overnight. As soon as it is dry, sand it lightly using 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe the sanding dust with the help of a tack cloth before applying the second coat of polyurethane. Do not thin using mineral spirits this time. Allow the second coat to dry before sanding it again. Follow it with a third coat. New wood may need up to five coats of polyurethane for ideal protection. Repeat the process on the other side of the door as soon as the first side has fully dried.